A few months after my Dad passed away, my mother called me and said…
Sharon, will you plan my funeral?
Well Mom, you seemed ok when I saw you yesterday, but is there something you need to tell me?
She obviously knew something I did not know.
This opened my door to all the benefits of pre-planning a funeral. I will spare you the details, but the education I received in the next few weeks was very helpful.
My most valuable lesson was that when the day comes that you need to act on the plan (which in this case was years later) and your world is full of tasks and emotions, you can just activate the plan you had put in place BEFORE things were overwhelming (and sad).
I tell you this story because, for many Fundraising professionals, the end of the year can be hectic, emotional, and overwhelming (not sad of course).
So, why not have your year-end plan completed in advance?
Take the opportunity to put your plan together in the early Fall, when the leaves are falling and your blood pressure is not rising, and then it can be activated when you start shopping for decorative pumpkins, tasty turkeys, and (if appropriate) a Christmas tree.
Why is Year-end giving so important?
A nonprofit’s year-end giving campaign is often one of the most important fundraising efforts they take on throughout the year. As much as 30% of annual giving occurs in December with
10% of annual giving occuring in the last 3 days of the year.
Getting started:
Make a list, and check it twice-
Make a list of everything you need to do between now and December 31. I just did this with one of my clients and it was so helpful. This included what needed to be done (graphics, messaging, email blasts, social, follow-up calls, etc) We highlighted important happenings during each month (October is tackling Hunger Month, A regional Giving Day in November, and of course, Giving Tuesday).
Share the LOVE-
We then divided the tasks among those who would be needed to own a part of the pie,
Marketing, Fundraising, CDO, CEO, and so on.
We then put all dates in a shared calendar with plenty of room for checking off when complete.
Decide on your themes and messaging. NOW is the time to decide what your appeal themes and messages will be. Once you have decided on the message, get to work finding the story to tell. Much like deciding on your themes and messaging for year-end appeals, sometimes it can take a little while to find a story that fits right in.
OK…Don’t get overwhelmed (or sad).
For the moment just do the above, and watch for future Team Kat & Mouse Blog where we will pick up with what is next!!!
Including:
Why is GivingTuesday Important (and take a look at this blog!
Year-end appeals
How to write a powerful ask
How to segment them so your message resonates
Making Giving Easy
Saying Thank you
And, MORE!!!
Need help going through the process of planning reach out today!
My Mom- (a long time ago)
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